Waldorf Astoria Chicago

Like the New York original, this Waldorf Astoria hotel is pure luxury. Situated in the center of Chicago’s Gold Coast, mere blocks from the Magnificent Mile, this modern, lavish hotel overlooks downtown and Lake Michigan. The 188 spacious guest rooms and suites are well-equipped, with niceties that range from fireplaces to furnished terraces. In addition, all accommodations come with LCD HDTVs, TVs set into the bathroom vanities and Bowers & Wilkins surround systems with iPod integration.

House restaurants include the clubby Bernard's Bar & Restaurant, and Michael Mina's Margeaux Brasserie, serving the famed chef's inventive French cuisine. In addition, Petit Margeaux offers a traditional French patisserie experience just off the lobby. A mosaic-tiled lap pool can be enjoyed at the health club, while Waldorf Astoria Spa customizes treatments based on a client's age, skin type and even body type. Meeting spaces eschew the corporate vibe for an appealing 1920s-in-Paris atmosphere. A courtesy car is available within a two-mile radius, although much of the city's best shopping and nightlife is within walking distance.

Another vodka. Another rum. Another bourbon. Yet another vodka. Things can get monotonous in the spirit world, as there are so many different brands, but so few types of base spirits. Every once in a while a VeeV comes along to break the tedium, but it's rare for a spirit to stray far from its predecessors.

Another vodka. Another rum. Another bourbon. Yet another vodka. Things can get monotonous in the spirit world, as there are so many different brands, but so few types of base spirits. Every once in a while a VeeV comes along to break the tedium, but it's rare for a spirit to stray far from its predecessors.